The WNRCD and partners are in the process of duplicating a program initiated by Deb Perry from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission and science teacher Jeff Rouleau. The project links high school science and art classes where the science students research the benefits and proper use of rain barrels and use the information to create an educational brochure for homeowners. The art students paint approved nature themes on rain barrels supplied by WNRCD. Once the rain barrels are painted and the brochures are completed, WNRCD advertises a designated “rain barrel pick-up day” in the water bill that reaches each home in the community. Recipients receive a rain barrel in exchange for a $25 donation to WNRCD.

What is a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel is a 50 gallon recycled food-grade plastic barrel that is placed at the outlet of a roof gutter to catch snowmelt and rooftop runoff during a storm (referred to as “stormwater”). When stormwater runs off of impervious surfaces like parking lots, roofs, compacted soils, and roads, it accumulates fine sand; nutrients like phosphorus; bacteria from animal wastes; oil, grease and heavy metals from cars, and delivers it to a nearby river. Stormwater has the potential to threaten the integrity of our drinking water source and make streams uncomfortable places for fish to live and people to swim. A rain barrel however, intercepts the stormwater at its source, before it runs across the landscape and into our waterways. The stormwater collected in a rain barrel can be used to water lawns and gardens; thereby conserving water and protecting water quality.

If you know of a high school science or art teacher who would like to participate, please contact Ashley Lidman either by phone (802) 865-7895 Ext.104 or by email Ashley.Lidman@vt.nacdnet.net at WNRCD.